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The Wedding Shoe Guide: How to Choose Shoes for Your Wedding Dress
Updated: 7 days ago
You've found the dress. Now it's time to think about the shoes.
Wedding shoes might seem like a small detail compared with choosing your gown, but they can make a big difference to how you look, feel and move on your wedding day.
From elegant heels and delicate sandals to comfortable flats and statement bridal shoes, there are plenty of options.
So how do you choose the right pair?
Here's what we'd recommend thinking about before you buy.
Start With Your Wedding Dress
Your dress is a good starting point when choosing your bridal shoes.
If you're wearing a floor-length gown, your shoes might only be visible when you walk or lift your skirt.
But if you've chosen a mini wedding dress, a shorter hemline or a gown with a slit, your shoes could become a much bigger part of your overall look.
Think about the style of your dress, too.
A minimalist satin gown can look beautiful with a statement shoe, while an intricately detailed lace dress might work well with something simpler.
There's no rule that your shoes have to be understated. It's about finding a combination you love.
How High Should Your Wedding Heels Be?
One of the biggest decisions is heel height.
It's tempting to choose the tallest, most beautiful heels you can find, but remember that you'll potentially be wearing them for hours.
Think about what you're comfortable wearing normally.
If you rarely wear heels, your wedding day probably isn't the best time to experiment with a very high pair.
A lower block heel, kitten heel or elegant flat can look just as beautiful.
If you love high heels, consider whether you'd like a second pair for the evening.
The most important thing is being able to walk, stand and enjoy yourself comfortably.
Think About Your Wedding Venue
Your venue can make a big difference to the type of shoes you choose.
Outdoor Weddings
If you're getting married in a garden or somewhere with grass, block heels, wedges or flats may be more practical than narrow stilettos.
Beach Weddings
For a beach ceremony, flat sandals or other comfortable footwear might be easier to manage on the sand.
Country Houses and Historic Venues
Think about gravel paths, uneven surfaces and any stairs you'll need to navigate.
City Weddings
If you'll be walking between locations for photographs or travelling around the city, comfort becomes particularly important.
It's worth thinking about the whole day, not just the ceremony.
When Should You Buy Your Wedding Shoes?
Ideally, choose your wedding shoes before your dress is professionally hemmed.
Your heel height affects where the dress falls, so your seamstress will usually want you to wear your chosen shoes during your fitting.
If you change from high heels to flats after alterations, you may find that your dress is suddenly too long.
If you're planning to wear two different pairs, discuss this with your seamstress before the hem is finalised.
Do Wedding Shoes Have to Be White?
Absolutely not.
While ivory, white and champagne are traditional choices, there are no rules saying your wedding shoes have to match your dress exactly.
You could choose:
Metallic gold or silver for a subtle statement.
Soft blush or nude tones.
A bold colour that ties into your wedding theme.
Embellished shoes with pearls, bows or crystals.
A colourful pair that feels completely you.
Some brides even choose their shoes as their 'something blue'.
It's your wedding day, so wear something you love.
Should You Choose Comfort or Style?
Ideally, both.
Beautiful wedding shoes aren't much use if you can't wait to take them off after the ceremony.
When trying shoes on, consider how secure they feel, whether the straps rub and how comfortable they are when walking.
It's also worth wearing them around the house before your wedding day, on a clean surface, to get used to them.
And if you know you'll want to dance for hours, having a comfortable second pair ready is never a bad idea.
Don't Forget About Alterations
If your wedding dress needs shortening, your seamstress will need to know the height of your shoes.
This is especially important with fitted gowns, full skirts and dresses with detailed hems.
Bring your wedding shoes to your alterations appointments so the length can be adjusted accurately.
And if you're still deciding between two pairs, speak to your seamstress before making the final choice.
Finding the Finishing Touches at & She Loves Bridal
At & She Loves Bridal, we believe the finishing touches should complement your dress and your personality.
Whether you're looking for elegant bridal shoes, a beautiful veil or something a little different, it's worth thinking about your accessories alongside your gown.
Our private bridal studio in Arborfield, near Reading, is home to a collection of designer wedding dresses available off-the-peg, along with bridal accessories.
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